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A prototype for an electric compact crossover to be launched by Ford in early 2023 has been spotted for the first time.
This is the model Ford is developing on Volkswagen Group’s MEB modular platform designed for mainstream electric vehicles, made possible by a deal hammered out between the two automakers in 2019. The MEB platform is found in several vehicles including the Volkswagen ID.4 compact crossover, which the Ford will likely be closely aligned with.
The prototype is fully camouflaged but we can still gather details on the basic shape and proportions from it. The design is close to what we saw in some earlier spy shots of a clay model, and looks to be a lot boxier than the ID.4, which should help differentiate the two vehicles.
Some teaser shots shown last month also hint at what’s to come.
Ford electric crossover based on VW Group’s MEB platform
Like the ID.4, we can expect the Ford to offer the choice between rear- or all-wheel drive. It isn’t clear how big the battery will be but the ID.4’s biggest unit is an 82-kilowatt-hour unit that delivers up to 275 miles of range.
Don’t look for the crossover to be sold in the U.S. Ford has only announced plans to sell it in Europe, where it will be built. Production will be handled at Ford’s plant in Cologne, Germany. The site is where Ford’s European headquarters is also located.
2023 Ford MEB-based electric crossover spy shots – Photo credit: Baldauf
Ford will eventually launch a second crossover in Europe based on the MEB platform. It’s been described as a sport crossover, and will likely end up as a more coupe-like version of the first crossover, similar to how VW offers the ID.4 and ID.5 siblings.
The electric crossovers are part of Ford’s plans to launch nine EVs in Europe by the end of 2024 on the way to becoming a full-electric brand in the Old Continent by 2030.
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